Snowthrower with adjustable rotor

ABSTRACT

A snowthrower having a rotor housing with first and second sidewalls and a rotor extending between the sidewalls. As the rotor wears, it may be repositionable, relative to a ground surface and to the rotor housing to maintain snowthrower performance. In some embodiments, end portions of the rotor may connect to the sidewalls via an adjustable coupler.

Embodiments described herein are directed to snowthrowers and, more particularly, to snowthrowers having a rotor that is adjustable relative to a rotor housing.

BACKGROUND

It is well known to utilize a snowthrower to collect and eject snow from a ground surface. In general, such snowthrowers are available in either: a two-stage configuration, wherein a low speed rotor collects snow and delivers it to a high-speed impeller for ejection; or a single-stage configuration, wherein a single high-speed rotor both collects and ejects the snow. While variations exist, the rotor of a single-stage snowthrower typically includes one or more helical flytes radially spaced from an axis of the rotor. In addition to snow collection/ejection, the flytes may, in some instances, be used to assist with propulsion of the snowthrower. That is, contact of the flytes with the ground surface during operation may assist in propelling the snowthrower forwardly.

While advantageous for assisting in propulsion, contact of the flytes with the ground surface may eventually cause the flytes to wear, effectively reducing the rotor diameter. As the rotor diameter decreases, an excessive gap may develop between the flytes and the rotor housing and/or ground surface. Over time, this gap may reduce the ability of the snowthrower: to effectively collect and eject snow; and/or to effectively propel the snowthrower over the ground surface.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a snowthrower is provided that includes: a rotor housing having spaced-apart first and second sidewalls connected to one another by a rear wall to define a front-facing collection opening; and a rotor positioned within the housing between the collection opening and the rear wall. The rotor includes a rotor shaft having first and second end portions connected to the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The rotor also defines a rotor axis intersecting the sidewalls, wherein the rotor shaft is adapted to rotate, relative to the rotor housing, about the rotor axis. In addition, the rotor has at least one flyte attached to, and radially spaced-apart from, the rotor shaft. Each end portion of the rotor shaft is securable, relative to its respective first or second sidewall, at both a first location and a second location. As the flyte wears during snowthrower operation, the rotor is movable from a first position in which the end portions of the rotor shaft are in their respective first locations, to a second position in which the end portions of the rotor shaft are in their respective second locations.

In another embodiment, a snowthrower is provide that includes: a rotor housing with spaced-apart first and second sidewalls connected to one another by a rear wall to define a front-facing collection opening; and a rotor positioned within the housing between the collection opening and the rear wall. The rotor includes: a rotor shaft extending between the first and second sidewalls and defining a rotor axis intersecting the sidewalls, wherein the rotor shaft is adapted to rotate, relative to the rotor housing, about the rotor axis; and at least one flyte attached to, and radially spaced-apart from, the rotor shaft. The snowthrower further includes a coupler connected to the first sidewall and adapted to rotationally support an end portion of the rotor shaft at two or more locations relative to the first sidewall.

In yet another embodiment, a snowthrower is provided that includes a rotor housing having spaced-apart first and second sidewalls connected to one another by a rear wall to define a front-facing collection opening. The snowthrower also includes a rotor having a rotor shaft and a radially-offset flyte connected to the rotor shaft, the rotor extending between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the rotor shaft includes a first end portion and a second end portion, the rotor shaft defining a rotor axis that intersects each of the first and second sidewalls. An arm is provided and pivotally connected to the first sidewall at a pivot joint, wherein the arm includes a rotor joint adapted to rotationally support the first end portion of the rotor shaft. The arm is pivotable about the pivot joint between a first position and a second position.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of various illustrative embodiments will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Exemplary embodiments will be further described with reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a snowthrower according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the snowthrower including a rotor housing in which is located a rotor;

FIG. 2 is a partial, front elevation view of the rotor housing and rotor of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B (collectively referred to as “FIG. 3”) are partial cross-sectional views, wherein: FIG. 3A is taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2: and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a partial, exploded perspective view of a rotor housing and rotor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an exemplary rotor housing illustrating a first (e.g., left) rotor coupler;

FIG. 6 is an interior-side elevation view of the rotor housing and first rotor coupler shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an interior-side elevation view similar to FIG. 6, but with the first rotor coupler removed;

FIG. 8 is an exterior-perspective view of another portion of an exemplary rotor housing illustrating a second (e.g., right) rotor coupler;

FIG. 9 is an exterior-side elevation view of the rotor housing and second rotor coupler shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exterior-side elevation view similar to FIG. 9, but with the second rotor coupler removed;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side elevation view (with some structure removed) illustrating rotor axis movement relative to other portions of the rotor housing and drive system according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an exterior-side elevation view (with some structure removed) of a rotor housing incorporating a rotor drive system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the drive system shown in a disengaged or idle position; and

FIG. 13 is an exterior-side elevation view similar to FIG. 12, but with the drive system shown in a fully engaged or drive position.

The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, various structure/components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wiring, cables, etc.), and the like, may be shown diagrammatically or removed from some or all of the views to better illustrate aspects of the depicted embodiments, or where inclusion of such structure/components is not necessary to an understanding of the various exemplary embodiments described. The lack of illustration/description of such structure/components in a particular figure is, however, not to be interpreted as limiting the various embodiments in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments, which may not be described and/or illustrated herein, are certainly contemplated.

All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, and all terms expressing direction/orientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, perpendicular, parallel, etc.), in the specification and claims are understood as being modified by the term “about.”

Single-stage snowthrowers are a cost-effective solution in many snow removal applications. However, single stage snowthrower rotors are typically subject to wear due to repeated contact with the ground surface during operation. Once wear has reached a threshold condition, rotor service may be needed. With some snowthrower configurations (e.g., those having flytes that are generally straight and parallel to an axis of the rotor), service may involve radially repositioning the flytes relative to the shaft. This procedure, however, does not lend itself well to helical flytes as the helix angle may make accurate adjustment difficult. Accordingly, once a helical flyte rotor is worn sufficiently, it is often replaced.

Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to delay helical rotor replacement by providing an adjustment system that allows the operator to accurately and easily adjust the position of the entire rotor (including the rotor shaft) relative to the rotor housing. As a result, as rotor wear occurs, the position of the entire rotor may be adjusted downwardly to maintain desirable positioning of the rotor flytes relative to the ground surface/rotor housing.

While embodiments of this disclosure are directed to addressing snowthrower rotor wear, such an application is not limiting. Rather, any application using a rotor contained within a rotor housing may benefit from embodiments of the present disclosure.

With reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a variable speed, self-propelled, single stage snowthrower 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Again, while so described and illustrated, such a construction is not limiting as aspects of the depicted/described embodiments may find application to other types of snowthrowers (e.g., two-stage) as well as to other types of power rotor and auger equipment.

It is noted that the term “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where used in the accompanying description and claims. Further, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably herein. Moreover, relative terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “fore,” “forward,” “rear,” “aft,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective of one operating the snowthrower 100 while the snowthrower is in an operating configuration (unless noted otherwise), e.g., while the snowthrower 100 is positioned such that wheels 106 and scraper 205 rest upon a generally horizontal ground surface 103 as shown in FIG. 1. These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the interpretation of any described embodiment.

The terms “coupled,” “attached,” “connected,” and the like refer to elements being attached to each other either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (having one or more elements between and attaching the two elements). Moreover, “rotationally support” is used herein to describe a relationship in which a first element supports a second element such that the second element may rotate or pivot (e.g., about an axis) relative to the first element.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the snowthrower 100 may include a chassis or frame 102 supporting a power source or prime mover, e.g., internal combustion engine 104. One or more (e.g., a pair) of ground support members, e.g., first and second wheels 106, may be coupled to the frame 102 as shown (e.g., one at or near each of a first (e.g., left) and second (e.g., right) side of the frame 102 (only left wheel 106 is visible in FIG. 1, but right wheel 106 is shown in FIG. 3A). The wheels 106 may be passive or, alternatively, powered (e.g., by the engine 104) to assist with propelling the snowthrower 100 over the ground surface 103. While described and illustrated herein as using an internal combustion engine, other prime movers (such as an electrical motor) are also contemplated.

The snowthrower 100 may include a rotor housing assembly 200 attached to, or integrally formed with, the forward portion of the frame 102. Among other components, the rotor housing assembly 200 may include a snow-engaging rotor 204 contained within a rotor housing 202, the latter defining a partially enclosed volume such that the rotor housing may at least partially surround/enclose the rotor. Lowermost portions of the housing 202 (e.g., a scraper 205), together with the wheels 106 and the rotor 204, may form ground contact portions of the snowthrower 100.

The housing 202 may define a collection opening 206 positioned forward of the rotor 204. The rotor is configured, as described in more detail below, for rotating (e.g., when powered by the engine 104) within, and relative to, the housing 202 about a transverse or rotor axis 210. The housing 202 may include a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls (e.g., (first or left sidewall 212 and a second or right sidewall 214) connected to one another by a rear wall 216 (see FIG. 2) such that the rotor housing forms the generally front-facing collection opening 206 and the partially enclosed volume or chamber containing the rotor 204. In some embodiments, the rear wall 216 may also form an upper wall of the housing while, in other embodiments, a discrete upper wall may be provided. Regardless of the wall configuration, the rotor may be positioned between the collection opening 206 and the rear wall 216 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. During operation, the snowthrower 100 may move forwardly (e.g., in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 105 of the snowthrower) such that snow enters the collection opening 206 and is ejected as described below.

As used herein, “longitudinal axis” or “longitudinal direction” refers to a long axis or direction of the snowthrower 100, e.g., the centerline longitudinal axis 105 extending in the travel or fore-and-aft direction as shown in FIG. 1. “Transverse” or “transverse axis” refers to a direction or axis extending side-to-side, e.g., a horizontal axis that is normal or transverse to the longitudinal axis 105 of the vehicle like the rotor axis 210, the latter which may intersect the sidewalls 212, 214 as illustrated.

The housing assembly 200 may further include a discharge opening or outlet 217 and a chute assembly 219. The chute assembly 219 may include a discharge conduit or chute 218 attached to the housing 202 such that a lower end of the discharge chute fluidly communicates with the discharge outlet 217 formed in the housing 202. Accordingly, the chute 218 may communicate with the partially enclosed volume of the housing 202 and, thus, with the open-face collection opening 206.

The chute 218 may be configured to rotate relative to the rotor housing 202, e.g., about a chute axis 225 (see FIG. 2). As the rotor 204 rotates within the housing 202, snow is collected and forcefully ejected through the chute assembly 219. The chute assembly may be rotated relative to the rotor housing 202 to discharge snow to the left or to the right (or a direction (e.g., front) in between). The chute assembly 219 may, in some embodiments, also include an adjustable deflector 220 near an upper end of the chute 218. The deflector may pivot about an axis 224, e.g., via a handle 221 (see FIG. 1), to alter a trajectory of the ejected snow. Of course, such a chute and chute control mechanism are exemplary and other embodiments are certainly possible.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the exemplary snowthrower 100 may include an upwardly and rearwardly extending, generally U-shaped handle assembly 300 having a lower end that is secured to the frame 102. The handle assembly 300 may form an operator control area having a handlebar 306 that provides controls to an operator located in a walk-behind position. For example, the control area may include a rotor control device (e.g., a hand-operated lever or bail 302), and a chute rotation control 304. The bail 302 may pivot about a transverse pivot axis between a disengaged position (as shown), wherein the rotor 204 is disengaged or de-coupled from the engine 104, and an engaged position (not shown, but squeezed against the handlebar 306), wherein the rotor is engaged or coupled to the engine for rotation about the rotor axis 210. The chute rotation control 304 may, in the illustrated embodiment, be configured as a sliding handle that displaces a cable attached to the chute assembly 219 to cause the chute assembly to rotate about the chute axis 225 (see FIG. 2). Again, while the control 304 is described with some particularity, such a configuration is exemplary only and other embodiments may incorporate different controls with departing from the scope of this disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B, the rotor 204 may include a rotor shaft 211 extending between the sidewalls 212, 214. The rotor shaft 211 is configured to rotate, within the housing 202, about the transverse rotor axis 210. Attached to, and moving in unison with, the rotor shaft 211 (via flyte supports 213) is one or more flytes 207 radially spaced-apart from the shaft 211/axis 210. Each of the flytes 207 may include outboard helical portions (helical flytes 208) for collecting snow, and flat or cupped central ejection portions or paddles 209 for ejecting snow. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotor 204 and rotor housing 202 may thus define snow collecting portions 226 (associated with the helical flytes 208) and a snow ejecting portion 228 (associated with the paddles 209, which may also contribute to snow collection).

Due to their helix angle, the flytes 208 may move snow (during operation) that enters the collection opening 206, along the rotor axis 210, toward the paddles 209. The paddles 209 may be configured to not only collect snow, but also to eject that collected snow (and that snow collected by the helical flytes 208) upwardly through the discharge outlet 217. That is, the helical flytes move collected snow transversely toward the paddles 209, which then forcefully eject the snow upwardly along the rear wall 216 of the rotor housing 202 and into the discharge outlet 217, where it is directed by the chute assembly 219 away from the snowthrower 100. In at least the illustrated embodiments, the rear wall 216 follows or accommodates the contour of the outermost radial edge of the rotor 204 as indicated in FIGS. 3A-3B.

While the helical flytes 208 and the ejection paddles 209 may serve somewhat different functions during operation of the snowthrower 100, the term “flyte 207” may be used herein to encompass both of these elements of the rotor 204. That is to say, the term flyte 207 is understood, unless otherwise indicated, to include both the helical flytes and the ejection paddles. Moreover, while illustrated with some specificity, rotors having different flyte configurations are certainly contemplated. That is, embodiments of the rotor described and illustrated herein are exemplary only.

In addition to collecting and ejecting snow, the rotor 204, e.g., the flytes 207, may also assist with propulsion of the snowthrower. As a result, in some embodiments, at least the outermost portions of the flytes 207 may be made of a flexible (e.g., elastomeric) material that can withstand repeated ground impacts during operation. By ensuring some minimal level of contact of the edges of the flytes 207 with the ground surface, rotation of the rotor 204 may urge the snowthrower forwardly. In some embodiments, the assistance provided by the rotor 204 may be altered by application of upward or downward force applied by the operator to the handlebar 306 (see FIG. 1).

Over time, contact between the flytes 207 and the ground surface may cause the outermost radial edges of the flytes 207 to wear, effectively reducing the rotor diameter. As this occurs, engagement of the rotor with the ground surface may lessen, reducing the ability of the rotor to provide propulsion assistance. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3B, reduction in the rotor diameter may cause a gap 215 between the flytes 207 and the rear wall 216 to form and/or increase. When this gap 215 gets sufficiently large, the ability of the snowthrower 100 to effectively eject snow through the chute assembly 219 may be adversely impacted.

Snowthrowers utilizing non-helical or “straight” flytes may address rotor wear by allowing the operator to loosen the flytes 207 and radially move the flytes outwardly relative to the flyte supports 213/shaft 211. Once the flytes 207 are correctly positioned, they may again be secured relative to the flyte supports 213. While effective for straight flytes, such an adjustment technique is problematic for flytes of helical design as it is difficult to maintain the desired gap 215 along the non-linear shape of such flytes.

To address this issue, embodiments of the current disclosure may permit the entire rotor 204 (including the shaft 211, flyte supports 213, and flytes 207) to move relative to the rotor housing 202 to adjust the gap 215 as the rotor wears. Exemplary embodiments of a snowthrower 100 that provides such adjustment is now described with initial reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates the exemplary rotor 204 and other select components exploded from the rotor housing 202. As shown in this view, the flytes 207 may be secured to the flyte supports 213, e.g., with fasteners or the like, and the flyte supports 213 may be secured to the rotor shaft 211 via most any acceptable manner e.g., fastened, welded, etc. In fact, most any method of joining the flytes 207 to the shaft 211 that allows the components to rotate together is contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotor shaft 211 may include a first end portion 230 and a second end portion 229 (see FIG. 8) that are operatively secured relative to the sidewalls 212 and 214, respectively. For example, in some embodiments, the first end portion 230 may extend through an opening 232 formed in the sidewall 212 of the housing 202 and be journaled for rotation relative to the sidewall, e.g., with bearings 231 or the like. The opposite or second end portion 229 of the rotor shaft 204 (see also FIG. 8) may be similarly journaled for rotation through an opening 232 in the sidewall 214 (see also FIG. 10). The first end portion 230 may include features, e.g., splines or a keyway, that allow mechanical coupling of the first end portion to a rotor sheave or pulley 234 located on an outboard side of the sidewall 212. As a result, when the rotor pulley 234 is powered by the engine 104, the rotor 204 may rotate.

As further described below, the end portions 230, 229 (see FIG. 8) of the rotor shaft 211 may be secured, relative to the respective sidewalls 212, 214 at both a first location and a second location. As a result, as the flytes 207 wear during snowthrower operation, the rotor 204 may be movable, relative to the rotor housing 202/sidewalls 212, 214, from a first position in which the end portions of the rotor shaft are each in their first locations, to a second position in which the end portions of the rotor shaft are each in their second locations.

In some embodiments, the rotor shaft 211 may be rotationally supported or journaled to a first coupler at the first end portion 230, wherein the first coupler is connected to the sidewall 212. An exemplary embodiment of the first coupler is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 (rotor 204 removed from these views) and described below. As used herein, the term “coupler” includes any device or interface technique that accommodates adjustable attachment of the rotor 204 to the snowthrower housing 202, e.g., to the sidewalls 212, 214.

While not wishing to be bound to any specific coupler configuration, the first coupler may, in some embodiments, define an arm 236 that pivotally connects to an inside face of the first sidewall 212 (e.g., between the first and second sidewalls) via a pivot joint 238 defining a pivot axis 240 that may be parallel to the rotor axis 210. As used herein, the term “pivot joint” may refer to a structure that allows two parts to pivot or rotate about an axis relative to one another. Pivot joints may incorporate various components, e.g., shafts, sleeves, bearings, bushings, etc. as are known in the art.

The arm 236 may further define a rotor joint 242 to receive and rotationally support the first end portion 230 of the rotor shaft 211 in two or more locations relative to the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the rotor joint 242 may define a receptacle that accommodates the bearing 231 that may, in turn, support the rotor shaft for rotation about the rotor axis 210. As a result, the rotor joint 242 may receive the first end portion 230 of the rotor shaft 211 such that the arm 236 rotationally supports the rotor shaft 211.

The arm 236 may further define a guide configured to, for example, limit and/or control pivotal movement of the arm 236 about the pivot axis 240. In some embodiments, the guide is configured as an elongate aperture or slot 244. For example, the slot 244 may be arcuate in shape. Moreover, the slot 244 may be defined by a radius 245 having, as its center, the pivot axis 240 of the pivot joint 238. For reasons that will become apparent, the guide, e.g., slot 244, may have associated therewith various indexing features such a notches 246. While illustrated as physical notches 246, other indexing features, e.g., indicia, other recesses, detents, etc. are certainly possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The arm 236 may optionally include a brake mount 248. As further explained below, the brake mount may rotationally (pivotally) support a brake member 250 (see FIG. 4) located on the outer side of the sidewall 212 such that movement of the arm 236 results in corresponding movement of the brake mount. The brake member 250 may interact with the drive system (described below) to provide braking to the rotor 204.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but with the arm 236 removed to illustrate corresponding features of the sidewall 212. As shown in this view, the sidewall may include the opening 232. The opening 232 may be sized to accommodate a flange 252 of the arm 236 (see FIG. 4). While illustrated as an arcuate slot in FIGS. 4 and 7 (having its arc center at the pivot axis 240), such a construction is not limiting. That is, the opening 232 may have other shapes (e.g., round, oval) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. A similar opening 253 may be provided to accommodate the brake mount 248. Again, while shown as forming an arc-shaped slot about the pivot axis 240, the shape of the opening 253 could take many forms.

The sidewall 212 may further include a hole 254. The hole 254 may accommodate the components of the pivot joint 238 to allow pivotal movement of the arm 236 relative to the sidewall 212. An opening 256 may also be provided in the sidewall 212 to allow interaction with the slot 244 of the arm 236 as further described below.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-10, the coupling of the second opposite end portion 229 of the rotor shaft 211 with the second or right sidewall 214 will be described. In general, the right side utilizes a second coupler, e.g., arm 237, adapted to rotationally support the second end portion 229 in a manner similar to the arm 236/end portion 230 already described herein. For example, the arm 237 may include a pivot joint 238 configured to allow the arm 237 to pivotally connect to the second sidewall 214 such that it is pivotable about a pivot axis that may, in some embodiments, be the same as (coaxial with) the pivot axis 240. The arm 237 may further include a guide, e.g., opening or slot 244 defined by a radius (see, e.g., radius 245 of FIG. 6) about the pivot axis 240, and a rotor joint 242 to permit rotationally supporting the second end portion 229 of the rotor shaft 211 with the arm. The slot 244 and/or the sidewall 212 may also include indicators, e.g., indicia and/or notches 246, to assist with setting the rotor location, i.e., the end portion position, at two or more locations.

Unlike the arm 236, however, the arm 237 may exclude a brake mount as the drive system (described below) is associated, in one embodiment, with only the left side of the snowthrower 100. While the arm 237 is shown attached to an outside or exterior side of the right sidewall 214, it could, in other embodiments, be connected to the inner or interior side in a manner similar to the arm 236. To accommodate exterior side mounting, some embodiments of the snowthrower housing 200 may form a recess or depression 258 as shown in FIG. 8. The recess accommodates the arm 237 within the transverse width defined by the rotor housing (see, e.g., FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 10, the second or right sidewall 214 may also include features similar to the left sidewall 212 illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the right sidewall may include the openings 254, 232, and 256, the purposes of which have already been described herein with respect to the first or left sidewall 212.

An exemplary method for adjusting rotor position relative to the rotor housing is now described with reference to FIGS. 4-11. This exemplary method will refer to adjustments taking place on the left side of the snowthrower (e.g., via movement of the arm 236). As the adjustment procedure for the right side is sufficiently similar, a separate description of an exemplary right adjustment procedure is not presented herein.

As already stated, during typical snowthrower operation, the flytes 207 may eventually wear. To maintain snowthrower performance, the operator may adjust the rotor in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure. The snowthrower may, in some embodiments, provide objective indicators for determining when rotor adjustment may be beneficial. For instance, one or more areas of the flytes may include wear indicia, e.g., marks or holes 260 (see FIG. 4) near an outer perimeter edge of the flyte, that indicate the extent of flyte wear. For instance, each flyte may include a hole 260 spaced-apart from an outer peripheral edge of the flyte. The hole may be located at a predetermined offset (e.g., 0.1 to 0.2 inches) from the peripheral edge. When the flyte has worn down such that its outer peripheral edge is at or near the outermost hole 260, the operator may undertake the rotor adjustment process. Other non-limiting examples of wear indicia (in addition to the holes 260) include markings, indentations, or any other feature that may be used to indicate rotor radius.

In some embodiments, additional holes 260 may be provided that are radially and inwardly offset from the outermost hole 260 to provide an indicator of when the adjustment procedure should be undertaken again. Accordingly, the wear indicia may be configured as indicators located on different concentric circles about the rotor axis 210. Such multiple wear indicia may be evenly spaced (e.g., every 0.1 inches) along a radial line from the rotor axis 210, or could be unevenly spaced depending on predicted wear characteristics of the flytes 207.

To adjust the rotor, the operator may turn off or otherwise disable operation of the snowthrower 100, e.g., turn off the engine 104. A nut 262 associated with the slot 244 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) may then be loosened (e.g., from a fastener 263 that is, in one embodiment, retained against motion by engagement of a shoulder of the fastener with an interior shape (e.g., square) of the opening 256 of the sidewall 212 (see FIG. 7)). In some embodiments, the nut 262 may secure a washer 264 against the arm 236. The washer 264 may include a shaped protrusion 266 that may fit within one of the notches 246 formed on the arm 236 near the slot 244. For example, the notches 246 may each define an elongate, V-shaped slot as shown in FIG. 5, while the washer 264 includes a complementary V-shaped protrusion that is received in one of the notches 246. When the nut 262 is tightened, the engagement of the V-shaped protrusion 266 with the V-shaped notch 246 may assist in maintaining the arm 236/237 in one of two or more (e.g., three) discrete positions. Of course, while described as complementary V-shaped features, most any feature that provides positive retention of the arm 236/237, with or without discrete positioning, is possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

With both the nuts 262 (on arms 236 and 237) loosened, the rotor 204 may be moved until the protrusion 266 (see FIG. 5) is aligned with the next lowest notch 246. When both sides are moved to this next notch, the nuts 262 may be re-tightened and snowthrower operation may continue. Accordingly, the engagement of the fasteners with the respective slots of the arms 236, 237 may define the available locations of the rotor shaft 211.

In some embodiments, the snowthrower may provide three notches 246 corresponding to three separate locations of the end portions of the rotor shaft (and, correspondingly, three separate positions of the rotor 204). During manufacture, the rotor may be designed such that the arms 236, 237 are set in their highest notch. Upon wearing to the first indicator (e.g., first hole 260), the operator may lower the arms/rotor to the second notch. After subsequently wearing to the second indicator hole 260, the operator may again lower the arms/rotor to the third and lowest notch. While described with three discrete notches 246 and two corresponding holes 260, most any number of notches and/or wear indicia are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, other embodiments may provide arms movable between two positions, or arms that are infinitely adjustable, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, corresponding indicia 243 (e.g., numbers or letters as shown in FIG. 5) may be provided on both sidewalls 212, 214 to assist with maintaining the rotor axis in the desired level orientation.

By allowing movement of the entire rotor 204 relative to the rotor housing 202, adjustment of the rotor may be achieved without the potential variability in flyte position that may occur when the flytes are radially adjusted relative to the rotor shaft. Moreover, rotor adjustment in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may be achieved with a simple and straightforward action, e.g., loosening of the nut 262 on each side of the rotor housing.

FIG. 11 illustrates a diagrammatic external side elevation view of the left sidewall 212 (with some structure (belt cover, pulleys, etc.) removed) in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in this view, the adjustment system may be configured such that, when the arm 236 (and 237) is in the middle notch 246, the rotor axis 210, the pivot axis 240, and an axis 110 of the engine 104 drive shaft 108 lie on a common plane or line. Such a construction may minimize the resultant change in spacing between the drive shaft axis 110 and the rotor axis 210 as the arm 236 moves through its various positions (e.g., notches). In the illustrated embodiments, the rotor and snowthrower may be designed so that, when the rotor is new, the arms 236, 237 are initially secured in their lowest notches (highest arm/rotor axis position, see FIG. 5) to allow for two subsequent adjustments to occur as the new rotor wears.

As further shown in FIG. 11, the arm 236 may pivot about the axis 240 between its various rotor height settings. While shown as pivoting about the axis 240, other embodiments may pivot about a different axis without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For instance, the arm 236 (and 237) could extend rearwardly sufficiently to permit the arm to pivot about an axis coincident with the drive shaft axis 110.

FIG. 11 further illustrates movement of the rotor shaft 210 within the opening 232, and containment of arm movement by the engagement of the fastener 263 within the slot 244, and movement of the brake mount 248 within the slot 253.

FIGS. 12-13 further illustrate an exemplary drive system 270 for the snowthrower 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates the drive system 270 (e.g., idler pulley 274) in a disengaged position or idle mode (i.e., belt slack such that the rotor is not engaged with the engine 104), and FIG. 13 illustrates the drive system in a fully engaged position or drive mode (i.e., belt tensioned such that the rotor receives power from the engine).

In some embodiments, the first end portion 230 of the rotor shaft 211 (see also FIG. 4) may, as already described herein, be coupled to the rotor pulley 234. Similarly, a drive shaft pulley 268 may be connected to the engine drive shaft 108. An endless drive member, e.g., belt 271, may then extend about the pulleys 234 and 268 as shown in FIG. 12 such that, when the belt is sufficiently tensioned, driving power may be transmitted from the engine to the rotor.

To control belt tension, an idler member 272 rotationally supporting the idler pulley 274 may be pivotally connected to the snowthrower 100 (e.g., at or near the sidewall 212) at a pivot joint 276. Moreover, to provide a braking force when the drive system is in the disengaged position shown in FIG. 12, the brake member 250 may be provided and pivotally connected about the brake mount 248. In some embodiments, the brake member 250 is connected to the idler member, e.g., the brake member may define a slot 278 in which is received a pin 280 of the idler member 272 to form a sliding connection.

When the bail 302 is in the disengaged position as shown in FIG. 1, the idler member 272 is biased by a spring (not shown) toward the disengaged position shown in FIG. 12. In other words, the idler member 272 is biased in a counterclockwise position about the pivot joint 276. Due to the biasing force applied to the idler member 272, the pin 280 applies a downward force to the slot 278 of the brake member 250, causing the brake member to pivot clockwise about the brake mount 248. As a result, a brake shoe 282 associated with the brake member may contact and apply a force against the belt 271 to both: slow the belt (and thus the rotor 204) when transitioning the drive system from the engaged to the disengaged position; and immobilize the rotor when the drive system is in the disengaged position.

When the bail 302 is moved to its engaged position against the handlebar 306 (not shown), an actuating force is provided to the idler member 272, e.g., by an interconnecting cable 308 (see FIG. 1), causing the idler member to pivot clockwise about the pivot joint 276 to the position shown in FIG. 13. As this occurs, the idler pulley 274 is forced against the belt 271, causing the belt to tension around the drive shaft pulley 268 and the rotor pulley 234. Once sufficiently tensioned, rotational power is transmitted to the rotor pulley and the rotor rotates.

As the idler member 272 pivots in the clockwise direction in FIG. 13, the pin 280 may apply an upward force to the slot 278, causing the brake member 250 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the brake mount 248. As a result, the brake shoe 282 may lift away or otherwise be spaced-apart from the belt 271 as shown.

By providing the brake mount 248 on the movable arm 236, a constant distance between the rotor axis 210 and the brake mount 248 is maintained. Accordingly, as the arm 236 is repositioned to adjust the rotor 204, the brake mount 248 may also be repositioned, e.g., along the slot 253 (see FIG. 7) formed in the sidewall 212. In this manner, as the rotor 204 is repositioned, the relative positions of the brake shoe 282 and the belt 271 near the rotor pulley 234 may be maintained to provide a consistent braking force between each rotor adjustment position. Moreover, by connecting the idler member 272 and the brake member 250 via the pin 280 connection, adjustment of the rotor position has little or no effect on idler pulley 274 position. That is to say, the rotor position may be adjusted without requiring any adjustment to the drive system.

While adjustment of the rotor may alter the linear distance between the drive shaft axis 110 and the rotor axis 210, the change is sufficiently small as to be accommodated by movement of the idler member.

While illustrated as a pivoting arm, other embodiments may utilize couplers having different configurations. For example, each coupler may form a member that rotationally supports the rotor and attaches to the snowthrower (e.g., to the sidewalls) such that the coupler may translate relative to its respective sidewall (e.g., using adjustment or “jack” screws or the like).

In other embodiments, the rotor shaft could merely be an array of indexed holes in each of the sidewalls to which the ends of the rotor shaft may selectively bolt. Alternatively, the sidewalls could each include a slot in which ends of the rotor shaft may be selectively positioned and secured. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some embodiments may not require the use of a coupler, but rather accommodate operative connection directly with the sidewalls. Such configurations may be adapted to function with the belt drive systems shown herein, as well as with systems utilizing a direct drive power source (e.g., an electric motor attached directly to the rotor shaft).

In still other embodiments, the adjustment process may be partially or fully automated. For example, the rotor could be biased toward the rear wall of the housing, but retained in one of two or more angled slots associated with each sidewall. As the rotor wears, the biasing force may cause the rotor to eventually escape one notch and fall into the adjacent notch corresponding to the next adjusted position of the rotor. Such a configuration may reduce operator involvement with the rotor adjustment process.

As one may appreciate, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a snowthrower with a rotor that may be easily adjustable to account for wear of rotor flytes over time. As a result, efficient operation of the snowthrower may be maintained as the rotor wears, and the useful life of the rotor may be potentially extended.

Illustrative embodiments are described and reference has been made to possible variations of the same. These and other variations, combinations, and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A snowthrower comprising: a rotor housing comprising spaced-apart first and second sidewalls connected to one another by a rear wall to define a front-facing collection opening; a rotor positioned within the housing between the collection opening and the rear wall, the rotor comprising: a rotor shaft comprising first and second end portions connected to the first and second sidewalls, respectively, and defining a rotor axis intersecting the sidewalls, wherein the rotor shaft is adapted to rotate, relative to the rotor housing, about the rotor axis; and at least one flyte attached to, and radially spaced-apart from, the rotor shaft, wherein each end portion of the rotor shaft is securable, relative to its respective first or second sidewall, at both a first location and a second location, and wherein, as the flyte wears during snowthrower operation, the rotor is movable from a first position in which the end portions of the rotor shaft are in their respective first locations, to a second position in which the end portions of the rotor shaft are in their respective second locations.
 2. The snowthrower of claim 1, further comprising first and second couplers connected to the first and second sidewalls, respectively, the first and second couplers adapted to support the first and second end portions of the rotor shaft, respectively, at both the first and second locations.
 3. The snowthrower of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second couplers comprises an arm pivotally connected to its respective sidewall.
 4. The snowthrower of claim 1, wherein the rotor is movable to a third position in which the end portions of the rotor shaft are each in a third location.
 5. A snowthrower comprising: a rotor housing comprising spaced-apart first and second sidewalls connected to one another by a rear wall to define a front-facing collection opening; a rotor positioned within the housing between the collection opening and the rear wall, the rotor comprising: a rotor shaft extending between the first and second sidewalls and defining a rotor axis intersecting the sidewalls, wherein the rotor shaft is adapted to rotate, relative to the rotor housing, about the rotor axis; and at least one flyte attached to, and radially spaced-apart from, the rotor shaft; and a coupler connected to the first sidewall and adapted to rotationally support an end portion of the rotor shaft at two or more locations relative to the first sidewall.
 6. The snowthrower of claim 5, further comprising a second coupler connected to the second sidewall and adapted to rotationally support a second end portion of the rotor shaft at two or more locations relative to the second sidewall.
 7. The snowthrower of claim 5, wherein the coupler comprises an arm pivotally connected to the first sidewall.
 8. The snowthrower of claim 5, wherein the coupler further defines a slot adapted to receive a fastener connected to the first sidewall, wherein engagement of the fastener with the slot defines the two or more locations of the rotor shaft.
 9. A snowthrower comprising: a rotor housing comprising spaced-apart first and second sidewalls connected to one another by a rear wall to define a front-facing collection opening; a rotor comprising a rotor shaft and a radially-offset flyte connected to the rotor shaft, the rotor extending between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the rotor shaft includes a first end portion and a second end portion, the rotor shaft defining a rotor axis that intersects each of the first and second sidewalls; and an arm pivotally connected to the first sidewall at a pivot joint, wherein the arm comprises a rotor joint adapted to rotationally support the first end portion of the rotor shaft, the arm pivotable about the pivot joint between a first position and a second position.
 10. The snowthrower of claim 9, further comprising a fastener associated with the first sidewall, the fastener adapted to secure the first arm to the first sidewall in either of the first position or the second position.
 11. The snowthrower of claim 10, wherein the arm defines an arcuate slot adapted to receive the fastener therein.
 12. The snowthrower of claim 11, wherein the arcuate slot defines an arc about the pivot joint.
 13. The snowthrower of claim 9, wherein the arm further comprises a brake mount connected to a brake member, and wherein movement of the arm between the first and second positions results in corresponding displacement of the brake mount.
 14. The snowthrower of claim 13, further comprising: an endless drive member engaged about both the rotor shaft and a drive shaft associated with the snowthrower; and an idler member pivotally attached to the snowthrower and rotationally supporting an idler pulley, wherein the idler member is configured to move the idler pulley between an engaged position, in which the endless drive member is tensioned about the drive shaft and the rotor shaft, and a disengaged position in which the endless drive member is relaxed about the drive shaft and the rotor shaft; wherein the idler member is operatively connected to the brake member such that when the idler pulley is in the engaged position, a brake shoe associated with the brake member is spaced-apart from the endless drive member, and when the idler member is in the disengaged position, the brake shoe is in contact with the endless drive member.
 15. The snowthrower of claim 14, wherein the idler member is slidably connected to the brake member.
 16. The snowthrower of claim 9, wherein one or both of the arm and the first sidewall comprises indicia corresponding to each of the first position and the second position of the arm.
 17. The snowthrower of claim 9, wherein the arm comprises a recess or detent associated with each of the first position and the second position.
 18. The snowthrower of claim 9, wherein pivoting the arm about the pivot joint alters a gap between the rotor housing and the flyte.
 19. The snowthrower of claim 9, wherein the arm is positioned between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
 20. The snowthrower of claim 9, further comprising a second arm pivotally connected to the second sidewall at a second pivot joint, wherein the second arm comprises a second rotor joint adapted to rotationally support the second end portion of the rotor shaft, the second arm pivotable about the second pivot joint between a first position and a second position.
 21. The snowthrower of claim 20, wherein the second pivot joint defines a pivot axis coaxial with a pivot axis of the pivot joint.
 22. The snowthrower of claim 20, wherein the second arm is located on a side of the second sidewall that is outside of the rotor housing. 